866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.

org

THE PARKING STRUCTURE

PROTOTYPE I

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or
relied upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its
accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC
disclaims any liability arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 THE PARKING STRUCTURE
PROTOTYPE I
Prepared by: AISC Steel Solutions Center
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org

What's this?
This package contains a fictitious project with an imaginary client. It illustrates the type of information
that the AISC Steel Solutions Center (SSC) typically receives and the Conceptual Solution that might be
prepared in reply. It is important to note that the information comes with the continued involvement of the
Steel Solutions Center and more directly AISCs Regional Engineers. Together, we are committed to
developing efficient, economical solutions in steel and providing continuous support for the life of the
project.
Incoming:
A project can find its way to the Steel Solutions Center a number of ways. Common
scenarios include:
1. AISC may hear about the project while visiting an architect or engineers office and cold-call the
developer to find out more.
2. A general contractor is asked to provide budget numbers for a project designed in concrete. They
see an opportunity to save money using a steel frame and take the project to their favorite fabricator.
The fabricator agrees to put together a steel alternate and calls the SSC for help.
The Solution:
The AISC team and the client work togetheroften via conference callto determine what can be done
to move the project forward in steel. The Steel Solutions Center can provide a wide range of solutions
from a simple bay study to a lateral system analysis, foundation comparison and conceptual estimate. A
unique Conceptual Solution matching the detail of this prototype would represent the SSCs highest level
of response.
What now?
The Prototype is one example of the Conceptual Solutions the SSC can provide. More importantly,
because it is representative of many real steel parking structures, it can be the first step in moving the
project forward in steel. Many SSC clients have found this Prototype alone can capture the developers
attention.
The Steel Solutions Center has been involved in a broad range of projects since our inception in 2001.
In addition to parking structures, we can help you find innovative solutions for high-rise offices, multi-
story residential buildings and more.
Meeting the expectations of the people we work with is important to us. The last two pages
communicate what our clients can expect from the Steel Solutions Center and what the SSC expects
from our clients. Remember the Conceptual Solution is only the beginning. The AISC team will continue
to provide assistance for the life of your project.

Please let us know how we can assist you with your next project.

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or
relied upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its
accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC
disclaims any liability arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 The incoming fax...
Page 1 of 2

Incoming:
John Smith saw a Steel Solutions Center ad in Modern Steel Construction and sent an e-mail to the
SSC. Gene Martin, the Regional Engineer for the Upper Midwest, contacted John to discuss the project
that afternoon. As a result of the conversation John sent a fax to the SSC, which is included in the next
two pages.
The incoming fax...
Page 2 of 2
 THE PARKING STRUCTURE
PROTOTYPE I
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org
Prepared by: AISC Steel Solutions Center

The Solution:
After receiving John Smiths fax, the Regional Engineer, an SSC advisor and John participated in a
conference call to qualify the project. The project was in Gene Martin's territory making him the Regional
Engineer in charge of the project. Heres what the AISC team learned from the
conversation:
John had a meeting with the owner in 8 days
The owner had some reservations, but was open to a steel framed structure.
The owner was concerned about fireproofing requirements for a steel structure.
The owner will operate the parking garage and was very interested in life-cycle costs and security for
the users.
The site has poor soil conditions.
After reviewing all the information at hand, the AISC team agreed that a steel alternative could meet the
owners needs and provide cost savings up front and over the life of the project. We also agreed that
influencing the owner would require the SSCs highest level of response, including a preliminary
structural design performed specifically for this project, a review of current building codes for fire
protection requirements and an examination of the foundation load reduction that a steel structure would
offer over the concrete alternative.

The Outcome:
Using the Conceptual Solution as a starting point, John Smith drew on his expertise to estimate the cost
and schedule for this project. John asked Gene Martin to join him at the meeting with the owner, hoping
to capitalize on Gene's expertise and experience in dealing with construction professionals. They
prepared a presentation for the owner to highlight the following key advantages
of a steel structure:
Lighter foundation loads translate to cost savings.
A higher level of security is achieved with the more open steel structure. Steel framing replaces
shear walls with open diagonal bracing and reduces the column thickness significantly thereby
eliminating possibly dangerous dark areas.
A post-tensioned slab and a steel frame with a quality paint system or galvanizing combined with
regular a maintenance program provides for the lowest life-cycle cost of owning and operating the
parking structure.

The savings in both time and money caught the owners attention. John and the Gene addressed the
owner's fireproofing concerns backed by the data provided in the Conceptual Solution. The $2 million
savings in foundation costs due to the lighter steel frame put it over the top and the owner decided to
pursue a steel parking stucture. A success for the fabricator!

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or
relied upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its
accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC
disclaims any liability arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 THE PARKING STRUCTURE
PROTOTYPE I
SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org Regional Engineer: Gene Martin
Date: July 30, 2002

This Package includes: Excel Tab Name

b Comments on the Provided Solution 'Comments'
b Steel Quantity Takeoff 'Quantities'
b Design Loads and Parameters 'Parameters'
b Typical Floor Framing Plans North Levels 'North'
South Levels 'South'
b Gravity Columns Layout 'Layout'
Schedule 'Schedule'
b Braced Frame Elevations Frames #1 and #2 'Frames (1)'
Frames #3 and #4 'Frames (2)'
b Fireproofing Evaluation 'Fireproofing (1)'
'Fireproofing (2)'
'Fireproofing (3)'

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or
relied upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its
accuracy, suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC
disclaims any liability arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 COMMENTS ON
PROVIDED SOLUTION
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

The design criteria per IBC 2000 is summarized and included in the following pages. The
Steel Solutions Center has also provided an overview of fireproofing requirements for open
parking structures for IBC 2000 and NFPA 5000. The project has four open sides and proper
separation from adjacent buildings. Therefore, it is demonstrated that fireproofing is not
required for the structural steel for this project.
The steel quantities and geometry are provided on floor layouts, a column and frame layout
plan, a column schedule and frame elevations. The floor framing is split into two typical levels,
North and South. Both plans include the horizontal steel at that level and the steel on the
ramp down to the next level. The North framing plan occurs five times on the project. The
South framing plan occurs four times. The lowest level of parking on both the north and south
ends of the structure is slab-on-grade. The typical floor system is a 5 post-tensioned,
normal-weight, shored concrete flat slab with composite steel beams perpendicular to the one-
way slab action.
A post-tensioned concrete flat slab system provides the required durability to resisting de-icing
salts and as such is the best solution for this region of the country in terms of life cycle costs.

The lateral force-resisting braced frames do not require moment connections. The column
splices may need to transmit tensile forces, which may require special detailing. The frame
elevations indicate all of the structural steel in the lateral force-resisting system.
The foundation loads were examined and compared to a comparable concrete system. The
steel structure saves 25% in the total foundation loads for the structure.

Material Specification
Wide flange shapes are A992, Gr. 50
Rectangular HSS sections are A500 Gr. B

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 QUANTITY TAKEOFF SHEET:
Post-Tensioned Slab on Steel
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

Slab-on-Grade:
2
12,840 ft Parking (36 spaces)

Suspended Floor Areas:

89,955 ft2 (89,950 ft 2 of parking with 255 spaces)

Steel Quantities:

Gravity Columns
W12's 26.0 tons 0.58 psf 30 pieces

Beams (gravity)
Wide Flange 318 tons 7.07 psf 144 pieces
3,200 studs
Columns (braced frames) 26.3 tons 0.58 psf 32 pieces

Beams (braced frames) 8.9 tons 0.20 psf 36 pieces

Braces (braced frames) 11.2 tons 0.25 psf 72 pieces

Miscellaneous 10% 39 tons 0.9 psf

429 tons 9.5 psf 314 pieces

* The quantities are based on centerline dimensions

** Miscellaneous steel accounts for framing not included in the model, such
as framing for openings. It does not include connection material or slab edge
material.

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 DESIGN PARAMETERS:
International Building Code 2000
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

Gravity Loads
Live Loads Uniform Concentrated
Parking 50 psf 2 kips
Stairs 100 psf 0 kips

Roof Live Loads Uniform

Ground Snow 40 psf

Partition Loads (SDL) Uniform

Parking 0 psf
Stairs 0 psf

Dead Loads
Post-Tensioned Flat Concrete Slab = 5.5 in
Concrete Density = 145 pcf
Floor System Weight = 66 psf

Cladding Loads Uniform Floor Height Cladding Load

Precast Panels 50 psf 6 ft 300 plf

Wind Load Parameters

Basic Wind Speed = 110 mph
Wind Importance Factor, I W = 1.00
Exposure Category = B
Topographical Factor = 1.00
Drift Limit = H/400

Basic Seismic-Force-Resisting System

Ordinary Steel Concentrically Braced Frame
Seismic Design Parameters X-axis Y-axis
Seismic Use Group = I Building Period Coefficient, CT = 0.020 0.020
Seismic Importance Factor, I E = 1.00 Response Modification Coefficient, R = 3.0 3.0
Seismic Design Category = C System Overstrength Factor, o = 3.0 3.0
Site Class = D Deflection Amplification Factor, C d = 3.0 3.0
Spectral Response Acceleration at 0.250 g Note: No Seismic detailing per AISC Seismic
One Second Period, S1 = 0.086 g Provisions 2002 is required

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 Steel
SolutionsCen er
Your connection to
ideas + answers
 FIREPROOFING ISSUES:
NFPA 5000 and IBC 2000
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org Page 1 of 3

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

Open Parking Structures

Code Applicability:
The year 2000 marked the release of the International Building Code, with an update in 2003, while
the National Fire Protection Association 5000 code was released in 2002. Both were created as an
attempt to consolidate the multiple model codes designers have been faced with over the past several
decades. NFPA 5000 (6.4.2.55) specifies that all types of parking structures conform to NFPA 88A.
Verification of which code is applicable for a planned parking structure should take place as planning
begins.
Code Definitions:
Care must be taken in understanding the provisions of the codes based in the definition of certain
terms. These include:
Height -the IBC defines the height of a parking structure as the vertical distance from the grade plane
to the highest roof surface. NFPA does not define height.
Openness -the IBC defines required openness for a parking structure as having uniformly distributed
openings on two or more sides of the structure comprising at least 20% of the total perimeter wall area
of each tier and the aggregate length of the openings should constitute a minimum of 40% of the
perimeter of the tier. Interior walls shall be at least 20% open (area) with uniformly distributed
openings. NFPA defines openness as having distributed openings to the atmosphere of not less than
1.4 sq ft for each linear foot of its exterior perimeter. The openings should be uniformly distributed
over 40% of the perimeter or uniformly over two opposing sides. Interior walls shall be at least 20%
open (area) with uniformly distributed openings.

IBC Provisions:
Section 406.3.6 of the IBC allows a deck area of 50,000 square feet per tier to a maximum height of 8
tiers for type IIB construction if the structure fits the definition of openness, without a fire resistive
requirement. This provision can be extended in one of two manners. First, unlimited deck area is
allowed if the height of the structure does not exceed 75 feet and the distance from any point on the
deck to an exterior opening does not exceed 200 feet. Second, if 50% of the interior wall area of the
sides over 75% or more of the perimeter of the building is open and equally distributed, the area of
each deck may be increased by 25% and the height increased by one tier. With 50% of the interior
wall area open and equally distributed on all four sides of the structure, the area may be increased by
50% and the height by one tier. These provisions are presented in tabular form under Code
Comparison.

NFPA Provisions:
For open parking structures as defined above unlimited deck area is allowed if the height of the
structure does not exceed 75 feet and the distance from any point on the deck to an exterior opening
does not exceed 200 feet.

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 FIREPROOFING ISSUES:
NFPA 5000 and IBC 2000
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org Page 2 of 3

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

Code Comparison:
NFPA 88A Type II IBC Type IIB
Fire Resistive None None
Requirement
Definition of 1.4 sq ft of each linear foot 50% of interior wall area of the side
Open Side distributed along 40% of the
perimeter

sq ft/tier # of tiers sq ft/tier # of tiers

1
2 sides open unlimited height <= 75 ft 50,000 8
1
3 sides open unlimited height <= 75 ft 62,500 9
1
4 sides open unlimited height <= 75 ft 75,000 9
1 1
Exception unlimited height <= 75 ft
1
The distance from any point on the deck may not be greater than 200 ft from an open side.
Subject Project:
An open deck parking structure with four open sides (as defined under both NFPA and IBC)
consisting of grade level parking and five supported levels of deck (tiers). The footprint of the garage
is 160 ft by 120 ft or 19,200 sq ft per tier. The structure height is 56 ft.

Code Application:
Under both NFPA and IBC the structure falls under the 75 ft exception with all points on any deck
within 200 ft of an exterior opening allowing unlimited deck area with a NFPA Type II (000) or IBC
Type IIB classification. There is no fire resistive requirement for this project.

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 FIREPROOFING ISSUES:
NFPA 5000 and IBC 2000
866.ask.aisc solutions@aisc.org Page 3 of 3

Project: Parking Structure Prototype I Date: July 30, 2002

Location: Albany, NY SSC Advisor: Jason R. Ericksen
Client: AAARF, Inc. Client Contact: John Smith

Research Findings:
Research data from actual fire occurrences over the past several decades in the US has
demonstrated that for an open parking structure, non-crash vehicle fires do not result in heat build up
or potential for flashover. The small percentage of area and volume of the parking structure involved
in a vehicle fire (typically less than 2% of the area) allows adequate air volume in the uninvolved
portion of the garage to mitigate the temperature and flashover potential of the fire. While no evidence
exists of heat build up or flashover, the ventilation provided by the wall openings provides redundant
protection for those concerns and tenable conditions for egress. Vehicle fires in parking structures are
localized events that have not resulted in any fatalities. Further, research indicates that personal
injuries in parking structure fires are rare and when they occur are generally unrelated to smoke or the
fire itself.

Damage to the structural systems of parking garages as a result of vehicle fires has also been shown
to be minimal. Data published in 1992 collected from 404 fire events reflected an average cost of
structural damage of $191 or a total cost for all fires of $53,265. The evaluation of more recent fire
events is consistent with the earlier findings.

Full scale fire tests, such as the Scranton Fire Test of 1972 and the Australia Test of 1985, conducted
in open deck parking structures have indicated that temperatures reached in the structure do not
approach the critical temperature of steel even in the unlikely event of multiple vehicles becoming
involved in the fire.
Information regarding this research is available upon request.

This document has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and information
made available to AISC at the time of its preparation. While it is believed to be accurate, it has not been
prepared for conventional use as an engineering or construction document and should not be used or relied
upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,
suitability and applicability by a licensed engineer, architect or other professional. AISC disclaims any liability
arising from the unauthorized use of the information contained in this document.
 Customer Bill of Rights

Please do:
Consider us your connection to ideas + answers.
Contact us when you hear about a project that can benefit
from the use of structural steel.
Know that we take confidentiality very seriously.
Anticipate a Conceptual Solution for your qualified project in
a timely manner.
Expect us to have the capability to include the following in a
Conceptual Solution:
Framing system comparisons based on economy, ease
of erection and project schedule
Simple floor framing bay studies and optimized column
layouts
Evaluation of steel framing systems for project specific
requirements including low floor-to-floor heights, long
clear spans, vibration, special foundation conditions,
and more
Member sizes and steel quantities based on
comprehensive framing studies, including gravity and
lateral systems
Fire proofing issues
Information on protective coating systems for exposed
steel
Ask us to accompany you to make a presentation.
Expect a Regional Engineer to provide ongoing support until
your project is topped out.
Understand that your clients expect you to be an expert on
everything. Rely on our expertise--well make you look good.
Remember, AISC membership has its benefits!

Your opinion matters to us, so please dont forget to:

Tell us if we have not met your expectations.
Suggest ways that we can better serve you
 Guidelines governing the use of the

The Steel Solutions Centers work is not about the number of projects. It is
about that one project, the subsequent snowball effect and ultimately
changing a mindset. As a result, we are strategically identifying significant
projects where structural steel can provide a superior framing solution and
ultimately set an example for future projects. This qualification process is
how we determine our level of involvement.

The Steel Solutions Centers best work is accomplished with ample notice.
The more time we have to work on your project, the more valuable our
assistance can be. Do not hesitate to bring us in as part of your team
early in the schematic design phase.

The Steel Solutions Center is providing a valuable service for members. In

return, we urge you to share your project costing information with us. Any
information you provide will be kept CONFIDENTIAL and will only be used
by the Steel Solutions Center to enhance our anonymous project
database.

The Steel Solutions Centers work is conceptual in nature and is intended

for preliminary project feasibility assessments only. We do not provide
structural engineering services. We do not produce construction
documents or information for such documents.

The Steel Solutions Centers success is not measured by the number of

Conceptual Solutions we complete, but by their effectiveness. We are
only half of the equation. Your expertise combined with our work and the
continuing support of our Regional Engineers is essential to making
structural steel the material of choice for your project.

Follow up is critical on any project. The Steel Solutions Center is happy to

invest time on projects that will be promptly discussed with a project
owner or developer, contractor, architect or engineer. Our goal is to help
you move the decision maker one step closer to selecting steel. Dont let
a Conceptual Solution sit on your desk! Discuss it with your contact and
then keep us posted on the status of the project.